LA GALAXY continue their battle at the top end of the Western Conference as they host Minnesota United in an MLS fixture on Sunday.
Minnesota have been abysmal in recent weeks and should be no match for the Galaxy, who are particularly solid at home.
Things have gone awry for Minnesota United in recent weeks, as they lost their last five matches. Eric Ramsay’s men travel to Dignity Health Sports Park off the back of a 3-1 home defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps last time out in the MLS.
One of the major problems for Minnesota United is a shaky backline as they have conceded three or more goals in three of their last four matches. That vulnerability has been evident on their travels as they have lost their last four away matches.
LA Galaxy are also coming off a defeat as they were beaten 2-1 at home by bitter rivals Los Angeles. They fell two goals down and could not find a way back despite pulling one back through Gabriel Pec.
That was the first defeat in five matches for LA Galaxy, who have now dropped to third in the Western Conference, three points off the pace. Having also won their previous four home matches, manager Greg Vanney will be confident of making a swift return to winning ways.
How the bookies view it: Galaxy all the way
LA Galaxy have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 4/6 by Betfred to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Minnesota United is valued at 100/30 while a draw is set at odds of 11/4.
Head to head: Galaxy with upper hand
LA Galaxy have a 7-3 advantage with five draws from 15 previous matches against Minnesota United. Galaxy also claimed a 4-3 win in the most recent fixture at Dignity Health Sports Park, although the last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw.
Players to watch: Joveljic on the prowl again
Dejan Joveljic has been on fire all season for LA Galaxy, having found the net 12 times so far. The striker has also been on target in three of the last four meetings with Minnesota United and is priced at 21/20 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane has been the man in form for Minnesota United in recent weeks having been on target in three of the last four matches. The forward has also found the net three times in the last three meetings with LA Galaxy and is priced at 23/10 to get on the score sheet once again.
Probable line-ups
Striker Teemu Pukki remains sidelined for Minnesota United and will miss Monday’s clash. Hlongwane has been the shining light for Minnesota in recent times and should continue in attack.
Diego Fagundez started on the bench in the derby and could return to the starting line-up on Monday. Despite having a quiet outing last time out, Dejan Joveljic could retain his place in attack.
LA Galaxy: McCarthy, Aude, Yoshida, Neal, Yamane, Delgado, Puig, Gabriel Pec, Fagundez, Paintsil, Joveljic
Minnesota United: Smir, Padelford, Tapias, Boxall, Rosales, Dotson, Bran, Clark, Lod, Hlongwane, Jeong Sang-Bin
Anything else catch the eye?
LA Galaxy and Minnesota United often serve up high-scoring encounters and could be set for a repeat on Monday. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 5/2 with Betfred, who is also offering odds of 11/10 for over 3.5 goals.
Given the minimal odds for a straight LA Galaxy victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 7/4 with Betfred.
This MLS match between LA Galaxy and Minnesota United will be played on Jul 8, 2024 and kick off at 03:30. Check below for our tipsters best LA Galaxy vs Minnesota United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
